If there was going to be someone to break the news that J.T. Realmuto signs a new deal, it would be Craig Mish. Mish, a long-time reporter covering the Miami Marlins, seemed to have much of the Realmuto news over the years first. Tuesday afternoon, it was Mish who reported that the Philadelphia Phillies signed a five-year contract with the Phillies.
Mish reported the deal on Twitter:
The Philadelphia Phillies and JT Realmuto are in agreement on a 5 year $115.5 million dollar contract. Pending physical. Per source.
— Craig Mish (@CraigMish) January 26, 2021
The move gives Realmuto a record for the highest average annual value for a catcher.
Realmuto will average $23.1 million a season, which bests Joe Mauer's $23.0 million average annual contract amount that he signed with the Minnesota Twins. It may be a small token move, but it seemed to do the trick.
The Phillies will continue to look for a shortstop and pitching in the time before pitchers and catchers (at least for now) are to report to Clearwater on February 17.
